In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Heart controls the Blood and stores Shen (the Spirit), and the Spleen absorbs the nutrients from food and transports them to the Blood. When the Heart function is weak, one may develop signs that include Blood deficiency, poor sleep, mental fogginess, and a pale complexion. When the Spleen function is weak, digestion is impaired, and consequently, the Blood is not well nourished and may not hold well in the blood vessels.

Gui Pi Pian (Wan) strengthens the Spleen and the Heart, nourishes Blood and Qi, and calms the mind.† How it acts in modern biochemical terms is not yet understood. Gui Pi Wan has been indicated in China Pharmacopoeia for use in the case of Heart and Spleen deficiency, whose presentation may include these several characteristic signs: 1. trouble in staying focused and easily forgetting what is learned; 2. not falling asleep easily; 3. lack of energy with a pale face; 4. loss of appetite. This TCM pattern of deficiency is often observed in those who study hard (students) or overwork and feel overwhelmed.